This condom can be a better method of contraception for the females who are sensitive to male latex condoms. This is the only other birth control method besides the male condom that offers STD and HIV protection. The failure rate is about twenty-six percent, but some test show that it is more reliable if used consistently and correctly. .
"The Pill" is also another commonly used form of birth control. It is a tiny little pill taken by women that should be taken at the same time everyday. If used in the proper manor, they are almost one hundred percent effective, but they don't offer any protection against HIV and STDs. If the user sometimes forgets to take them, they can use a method called "double-up", where the female takes two pills at the same time the next day. If taking antibiotic while on the pill can effect it"s effectiveness, and bring the r ate down to 95%. Some women experience side effects, such as, painful breasts, weight gain, nausea, headaches, and depression, while others experience no side effects. The Pill may protect against ovarian cancer, but nobody knows the effects of using daily hormones for a long time. The Pill has also been linked to heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. .
A new form of contraceptives is the patch, which is very similar to the pill. It is used almost in the same manner, and has similar effects on the body as the pill. The pharmacy name for one of the patches is Ortho Evra. This keeps you from becoming pregnant by transferring hormones to your body through your skin. The patch must stick securely to your skin in order for it to work properly. Unlike the pill that has to be taken everyday at the same time, the patch should be applied once a week one the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks for the month. However, like the pill, the patch does not prevent HIV or STD's.
Another form of contraception is Norplant, which consists of six match-size capsules that are implanted in the upper arm.
